"Gonna miss you." Jay said. He put his hair behind his ears.
"I'll be back." I told them. "But, I am going to miss you so much."
"My personal escort will be gone for a while. What am I going to do?" Shawn asked.
"I'll be with you tonight." I answered. "I'm going to talk to everyone before the first match. And, be involved in a six man tag match us against the APA and who?"
"Albert." Matt answered.
"Great." I said.
In the past three months Triple H won the WWF Belt, and Jericho won the ICU Title. Rocky had his shots for the Hardcore Title, but didn't win. And, Christian almost beat Dean for the Light-Heavyweight. We were so close. Austin is still with Vince, but said he wanted to address everyone tonight. Christian and Rocky would have their shots tonight and I really wanted them to win while I was there.
"Destiny, they're ready for you." A stage hand said.
"All right." I replied.
I took the mic and walked out when my music started. Everyone freaked. I nearly broke down just listening to them. It would be the last time for me. I walked into the ring and stood in the center and just took in the cheers. Then, I raised the mic.
"I am here to address you all with some news." I started. "Today is my last day. I will be leaving for personal reasons." The crowd didn't like that. "Don't worry, I will be back in a few months. Your World Wrestling Federation Woman's Champ will not be gone for good." At that time Austin's music started. He walked in and paced around.
"I'm sorry to hear that you have to go." He said. "It's a real shame. But, it is good to know you'll be back."
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"I know this is your last day for a while, so I want to set things straight. It does bother me that Triple H is now the Federation Champ instead of me. But, I'll live. What bothers me most is what I did to face him. Siding with Vince McMahon was the dumbest idea I ever had." The crowd was shocked. "In front of all these people, and those watching, I want to apologize to you for all the hassles I've caused."
"You, Stone Cold Steve Austin, is apologizing to me?" I asked.
"Damn straight." He answered. I hugged him. I knew he was going to do it, I just didn't know when.
Vince came out. He didn't say anything into a mic, but yelled at Austin. Austin stunned him, and we walked out. Christian came out with Edge for his title match against Dean. I watched intensely as Christian gave it all he had. He tore into Dean. He won without Edge's help. He held the belt of high.
Two matches later, Rocky went out against Raven for the Hardcore Title. I had an idea. I went to Jericho and asked him to help. A few minutes into the match, Raven was busy with Hardcore Holly, Big Show was having it out with Blackman, and Rocky was battling Billy Gunn. Billy always runs into Hardcore matches. Anyway, me and Jericho came out together. Jericho took Billy Gunn.
"Pin me." I told Rocky.
"What?" He asked.
"Pin me." I repeated.
I got down on the ground, and he pinned me. He won. I held the belt up in his hand. Jericho got over the ropes and the three of us walked out. Then, it was time for my match with the APA and Albert. An unlikely third partner for the APA.
I was scared to death. Matt started out against Bradshaw. Matt did little damage. He somehow got to Jeff who did some damage then had to face Faarooq. Then, he tagged me in. I did what I could until he tagged in Albert. I knew I had to trick him with fancy foot work. It worked. I would have been in longer, but I was three months pregnant. I tagged in Matt.
Jeff and I banged on the mat as he and Albert were laying there. Mat got over to the ropes but Albert grabbed him and tossed him around. Needless to say, we lost. But, look who we were against.
Then, make the change to what I would be wearing with Shawn Michaels. Nothing revealing. It was, actually, a really nice red dress. A long one. I liked it. We walked out as he faced Undertaker. I was upset, so didn't get involved. Kane didn't either. We just stood there and watched. Taker won.
My final day was coming too an end. All too quickly. I sat in a chair as the final match went down. Triple H Vs Kurt Angle. Triple H won. He held his belt up high. He and Steph walked backstage.
"You guys travel tonight." I said.
"Are you going to be OK here?" Steph asked. "You can go back to my house."
"Remember what happened last time I was there?" I asked.
Stephanie asked me to go to her house up in Conn. awhile back. It was a hot summer day and we got Shane bad. He was sleeping and we thought we should "cool him off". We held ice cold buckets of water and dumped them on him. We got our asses kicked for doing that.
"Shane won't be there." She smiled.
"I'll be fine. My neighbors said my parents are on one of their year long trips to England." I said. "I'll be all right."
"I'm going to miss you like you wouldn't believe." Adam said.
"As soon as I come back, y'all will know why."
"I just want you to come back, and be healthy." Adam told me. He kissed my forehead.
"We all will miss you." Mat said.
I couldn't bare to watch them walk away. Vince said they had to leave. I picked my things up and took the long walk back to my apartment. I walked into the empty place. My parent's wouldn't be home.
I expected to wake up with Steph in the bed next to me, or by the phone with Mat on the other end telling me to get up. I wished I could walk out of my room and see Adam and Jay there goofing off. But, they weren't there.
I didn't know what I was going to do with myself while I was home. I couldn't go to Central Park everyday, and WWF New York. I was out for personal reasons and they'd ask questions. New York is supposed to be this huge city with endless things to do. How come I can't think of a damn thing to do?
I wanted to pick up the phone and call one of them. But, my fingers couldn't dial the numbers. I actually missed the sounds of the guys fighting. I missed the sibling rivalries the Hardy's would have. I missed Adam and Jay fighting over who was the better man. That fight always ended with me saying I was better than both of them, and them agreeing.
I looked through my draws and found an old book of poetry I started along time ago. I took it out and started writing. A lot has happened to me since then. A lot of good and a lot of bad. I filled the rest of the book with poems about the gang, the Vince situation, and this baby. And, a few on Jeff.
A week later I woke up from a nap to the sound of the phone. I rolled over and got it.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Destiny." Steph said on the other line. I did give her the number.
"Steph! Where are you guys?! How are you?" I asked.
"I'm fine, we're all fine. We're in Denver. You might want to watch RAW tonight." She told me.
"I would anyway." I said. "Are the guys there?"
"All of them." She answered. "How are you feeling?"
"As good as I can be."
"That's really good to hear." She said. "We really miss you."
"I am going crazy without you guys. I can't find a damn thing to do in a city that never sleeps!"
"I can picture you doing that." She laughed. "Adam wants to say something. He and Jeff."
"All right." I said. I waited.
"Destiny!" Adam yelled. "Hun, it's great to talk to you." I smiled.
"It's good to talk to you too. I miss you all very much."
"We'd all talk, but we don't have the time." He told me. "So, how are you feeling?"
"I'm all right." I answered. "Still ain't gonna tell you why I am here in New York instead of in Denver with y'all."
"I wasn't going to ask." He said.
"You were."
"All right, I was. But, I am still concerned about you."
"I am alive and well, Adam." I told him. "You don't have to worry. It's when I get back you should worry."
"Why?"
"I'm gonna be in the mood to kick someone's ass, I might start with yours."
"In the words of Dwayne, just bring it." I laughed. "It isn't the same without you. No one tells me to shut the hell up like you do."
"When I return I'll tell you that plenty of times." I heard him laugh on the other end.
"Jeff wants to talk now." He told me. "Miss you!"
"Hey, Des, hear everything's going good for you." Jeff said.
"So far." I replied.
"That's good. We miss you."
"I know, I miss you too."
"Team Xtreme means shit without you." He said.
"I'm sure everything is fine."
"It's OK. I mean, there is no Team Xtreme really. It's just the Hardy Boyz now."
"Tag Team Champs, The Hardy Boys." I told him.
"Tag Team Champs." He repeated. "When will you be back?"
"A few months." I answered. "In time you won't even notice I'm gone."
"Don't say that." He said. "It's not the same without you. Everyone notices, everyone. It's not the same knowing you won't be in our corner, or fighting someone, or being with someone else. It's just not the same knowing you are at home, alone, and not here with us."
"And not being with you hurts." I said. "I really miss you guys. The fights, the screwing around, all of it."
"Only you can shut Adam and Jay up." He told me. "Dwayne tried. It didn't take."
"No one can handle them like I can."
I was breaking inside not being there. They were about to leave to go to RAW, and I had to settle for watching it on TV. Stephanie did tell me I should watch it. I would have anyway. The first match without me being there. It was going to be killer. It's only been a few days and all ready I am about to break.
I let them go. I hung the phone up and sat on the couch. Four hours until RAW. I went down to the Hardrock Cafe for dinner. A great place if you ask me. A waiter, a cute waiter, was flirting with me. He got me some free food too. Nice guy.
I got back in time to catch RAW. I wondered what Steph was talking about. JR was saying how I wasn't there anymore and how was this eight man, now seven, power house was going to do without a member. First up was E and C. They came out in one of my T-shirts. I smiled as they made their way to the ring. Edge did his little thing then took the mic.
"Now, I know Destiny isn't here. It totally sucks ass. Our match tonight is against Dean and Perry. And, we're gonna so kick their ass for Destiny tonight."
"Totally! We're gonna show those reekazoids who's boss." He took the T-shirt off and was in his normal black shirt. He placed the shirt on the turnbuckle.
They did kick ass. They beat Dean and Perry. After, it showed the others backstage. Jeff looked real pissed.
"I can't believe Vince is making me go against Rikishi." Jeff said.
"I'll give you a hand." Hunter told him.
Jeff shook his head. "I've got this. I've got a lot of anger right now and Rikishi is just going to be the luck one I take it out on." He left the locker room slamming the door behind him.
"Destiny leaving was the last straw for him." Rocky said.
"How come I have this feeling that Vince is behind her leaving?" Jericho asked. They all looked at him. Cut to commercial.
I wondered who's idea it was to blame me leaving on Vince. It was a good one. I mean, seemed logical and all. After the commercial it went back to Jeff, who was with Mat this time. Jeff still looked upset and Mat was by his side, he didn't look too happy either.
"Look, I know you're pissed about Destiny leaving." Mat said.
"I am outraged. Vince probably was in on it. He's out for her in a bad way. I'm not even mad about this match, I'm glad. I've got chills man, it's great. Vince couldn't have put me in a better match. I should go up to him and thank him right now."
"Jeff, this is Rikishi. I know you're a good wrestler and all, but Rikishi."
"Don't worry about me, Mat. I know what I'm doing. This goes out to Des, where ever she may be. And let me tell you big brother of mine, I've got a few ideas up my sleeve for Vince."
Jeff left. Crash Holly vs. Ryhno. Crash is so little. He was a sweet-heart too. That entire family is sweet. Crash tried hard to avoid the gore, but Ryhno pulled that off and won.
A few matches later, Jeff came out. He had Mat by his side. Jeff looked pissed. While walking down the ramp it looked like Mat was pleading with Jeff about something, and Jeff just wouldn't hear it.
Rikishi came out alone. He didn't need anyone. He looked up at the two brothers in the ring and a small smile appeared on his face. Mat got out of the ring and Jeff motioned for Rikishi to come. He came in and Jeff started the attack. This 200-something pound person was doing a number on this huge 400lbs monster.
Mat ran around the outside of the ring with his belt around his waste, and holding Jeff's. He yelled up at Jeff. Jeff's anger fueled him to victory. A painful victory. After he got the three count he painfully raised his hands high. Mat came in the ring and helped him out and up the ramp. Rikishi was pissed.
"You did great." Steph said, once the cameras went backstage.
"It was for Destiny." He said. He let go of his side. "I have a few things I have to take care of." He got up and left.
"I can only imagine what that boy's going to do." Hunter said. He walked up and put his arms around Steph.
"I can tell you this." Mat said. "Vince won't like it."
Next scene was the Undertaker walking down a hall way. He had a match against Angle tonight. Jeff went up to Taker. Taker looked down at him and said, "what do you want?"
"You're close with Destiny, aren't you?"
"I am." Undertaker answered.
"I need that chain you've got around your neck." Jeff told him.
"What the hell are you going to use a chain for?" Undertaker asked.
"I've got my reasons, all of them good ones." Jeff answered. "Are you going to give it to me or not?"
"I don't need this to beat Angle." Taker said. "Here."
Jeff took the chain and thanked him. Taker's match was easily won by the Undertaker. Angle had no shot. It was what happened after the match that surprised me. Jeff came out with the chain around his neck and the belt around his waist. He pointed the chain, and then to the belt.
"You may be wondering why I am out here." He said. "I had my match, and kicked Rikishi's ass. But, I am out here to address Vince McMahon." The crowd cheered. "Vince has been an asshole his whole life. Recently, he's dragged Trish into the act. Trish is quiet now, surprisingly, but Vince has found a new female target to exploit."
Vince's music started and he came out with a mic, and Trish. He raised the mic. "You're writing checks your ass can't handle Jeff Hardy. Coming out here and talking bad about Trish here. She has been very important in helping me make decisions." Jeff rolled his eyes.
"Vince, give it a rest. We all know why she's here." He said. Trish didn't say anything. "Lets face it Vince, she's daddy's little toy."
Trish took the mic. "You know Jeff. I have always admired the way you and your brother work. Now, well." She looked at Vince. "I admire the way you talk as well." She slapped Vince. "Ya know Vince, ever since your daughter switched sides you have done nothing but become a pain in the ass. No, no, before then. You made her switch sides. And, frankly, Vince I was in on this for only one thing."
Jeff smiled as she walked off. "Vince, I just love how you treat the females around here. So much respect. You give them credit for how well the perform, and I don't mean in the ring." Vince started coming into the ring. Jeff took the chain off. Triple H was walking down the ring behind him.
"Touch him, and you have to go through me." He said. Vince didn't like that idea. "And, you don't want to deal with a Hardy Boy."
Vince didn't move. He stood between Jeff and Triple H. He was scared. Jeff whipped the chain around. Vince turned and left. I laughed as I watched this. Taker's match was the main event, and it ended there. This was great. I had to call them and tell them that.
"Jeff, I liked what I saw tonight." I told him.
"Glad you did." He said.
"It was pretty sweet to pin it on Vince."
"You mean it wasn't him?" He asked.
"No, personal reasons." I answered.
"That wasn't an excuse?" He paused. "Shit, we all really thought it was his fault."
"You're in trouble!" I laughed. "I'm sure if you explain."
"We'll see how far that gets."
"Maybe he won't mind." I said.
"Maybe."
I talked with Jeff for a while longer before letting him go. So, they could survive without me. I just wanted to get back in the game.
